Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes health benefits includes preserving heart health, reducing cancer risk, helping manage symptoms of an enlarged prostate, supporting skin health, improving bone health, reducing risk of experiencing thromboembolic episodes, reducing extent of lipid per-oxidation and supporting eye health. Other benefits includes preventing progression of neurological conditions, supporting weight loss and improving immune function.

1. Tomatoes Preserve Heart Health

2. Consumption of Tomatoes Reduces Cancer Risk

3. Help Manage Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate

4. Tomatoes Are Good For Your Skin

5. Tomatoes Improve Bone Health

6. Reduce The Risk Of Experiencing Thromboembolic Episodes

7. Tomatoes Reduce Extent Of Lipid Peroxidation

8. Tomatoes Are Good For Your Eyes

9. May Prevent or Slow Progression Of Neurological Conditions

10. Tomatoes Offer Excellent Weight Loss Support

11. Tomatoes Improve Immune Function

 

Tomatoes contain lycopene, a red carotenoid pigment and phytonutrient that is also found in watermelon, pink grapefruit, pink guava, and papaya.
Lycopene is responsible for the red color of tomatoes. In the tomato plant, lycopene helps in the process of photosynthesis and protects the plant from excessive light damage. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant, one of the estimated 600 naturally occurring carotenoids.
Although lycopene is not an essential nutrient for humans, it can accumulate in certain tissues and high intakes of lycopene may protect against some cancers and cardiovascular disease¹. There are many mechanisms by which lycopene may protect against cancer. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant and can eliminate damaging free radicals in the body’s tissues, in addition to increasing production of the body’s own antioxidant enzymes².
Lycopene has received the most attention for its possible protection against prostate cancer in men². Many studies have found that men with higher intakes of tomatoes and tomato products have a lower risk of prostate cancer. Based on these studies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a qualified health claim regarding the relationship between tomatoes and prostate cancer, stating “very limited and preliminary scientific research suggests that eating one-half to one cup of tomatoes and/or tomato sauce a week may reduce the risk of prostate cancer”.
Several studies have examined the relationship between lycopene levels in the body and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lower levels of lycopene in the body tend to be associated with early atherosclerosis and a higher risk of heart attack.

Nutrition Info (per 100g serving)

Calories-18
Total Carbohydrate 4g
Dietary Fiber -1.5g 5% RDA
Sugars -2.5g
Vitamin A -840IU 17% RDA
Vitamin C -13mg 21% RDA
Vitamin E 0.5mg 3% RDA
Vitamin K 8mcg 10% RDA
Niacin – 0.6mg 3% RDA
Vitamin B6 -0.1mg 4% RDA
Folate – 15.0mcg 4% RDA
Calcium -10mg 1% RDA
Magnesium – 11mg 3% RDA
Phosphorus – 24mg 2% RDA
Potassium – 240 mg 7% RDA
Copper – 0.1mg 3% RDA
Manganese – 0.1mg 6% RDA

Conclusion

Tomatoes are truly a superfood, whereas the word has been thrown around loosely for hundreds of fruits and vegetables- tomatoes stand tall. Their easy of consumption (whether raw or lightly cooked) makes them extremely versatile and easy to be incorporated into a variety of meals, or even as salads. They offer up important benefits for your health, making their place in diets of all types irreplaceable. What are you waiting for- pick up a juicy red tomato and bite right in!